Fulcher Companies merge with the Huttenlocher Group

The staff and owners of The Huttenlocher Group and the Fulcher Companies of Davison stand outside the Davison offices at 329 N. State St. Photo by Gary Gould DAVISON
— For more than 90 years, two family-owned, independent insurance agencies thrived, providing excellent products, good advice and small-town service.

The Huttenlocher Group of Waterford, and the Fulcher Companies of Davison have joined forces to provide their clients with more choices in today’s ever-changing economy.

Founded in the 1920s by Howard Rice, the Fulcher Companies have seen numerous changes over the decades.

As the company grew along with its hometown of Davison, family members continued to run the agency with the focus on excellent customer service.

The agency, located at 329 N. State St., is now in the hands of fourth generation owner Dan Fulcher. Dan, along with long-time producer Lee Lavictoire, continue to look for ways to bring more to their community.

To that end, they have recently merged with the Huttenlocher Group and owners Dave and Jim Huttenlocher. The Huttenlocher Group has been in business since the 1920s.

First generation owner Howard Huttenlocher was driven by the same desire as his contemporary, Howard Rice, to provide his clients with the best insurance possible, according to his family. Over the ensuing years the agency has grown to become one of Oakland County’s largest, but the family focus on knowing each customer and his or her needs has never changed.

“I am encouraged by this new partnership,” said Dan Fulcher. “The Huttenlocher Group will help us provide our clients, new and old, with a broader selection of insurance companies and more competitively priced products for personal, commercial and life insurance.”

Lavictoire said he thinks the partnership will improve the business.

“What sets a great agency apart is the integrity and knowledge of the owners, agents and staff. (In addition), a premier agency represents companies that are totally committed partnership with the Huttenlocher Group will help us continue to be this type of agency.”

Both David and Jim Huttenlocher are just as enthusiastic about the deal. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand into the Davison community”, said Dave Huttenlocher. “We are confident that with our addition of new companies and some assistance from our Waterford staff in accounting, marketing and workflows, The Fulcher Group will grow to be a bigger asset to the community.

“Dave and I are both third generation Clarkston people,” said Jim Huttenlocher. “We completely understand the value that small businesses such as insurance agencies bring to local communities. Dan, Lee, Jeff Pugmire and the existing customer service staff will remain in the location that they’ve been occupying for 40 years. With the new partnership, they will be able to do what they love to do, but even better.”